Young Sheldon had a lot going for it when it premiered on CBS. Obviously, there was the familiarity with the title character, Sheldon Cooper (before he was a doctor!). And of course, the show came from the same team that produces The Big Bang Theory. To us, though, the show’s proverbial ace in the hole is the casting. While the kids are great, the truly inspired casting choice is Zoe Perry, who plays Sheldon’s mother. Part of that is the fact that Perry is a very talented actress. The other part is that her mother is Emmy winner Laurie Metcalf, who plays “old Sheldon’s” mother on The Big Bang Theory. Perry told us that the genetic connection certainly helps her draw similarities to her mom’s version of the character, but she’s also trying to bring something of her own to the younger version of Mary Cooper. (Click on the media bar below to hear Zoe Perry)

Young Sheldon airs Thursday nights at 8:30/7:30c, after The Big Bang Theory on CBS.